Castelli Romani: Nemi and Castel Gandolfo, two pearls overlooking the lakes

Lazio offers many opportunities to spend a weekend away from the city center and the daily routine, but if you don't want to stray too far from the capital, the best idea is to visit the precious villages of the Castelli Romani . In two days you can get an idea of the artistic, naturalistic and gastronomic heritage of these 17 Italian municipalities, of local festivals and events , without spending a fortune. We propose a small tour to do on Saturday and Sunday in two of the most characteristic villages, Nemi and Castel Gandolfo , two small pearls that overlook two very close volcanic lakes. Nemi is famous for its cultivation and the Strawberry Festival , while Castel Gandolfo is known for being the summer residence of the popes as well as being one of the most beautiful villages in Italy in Lazio . Castel Gandolfo is located about 20 km away from Rome and stands overlooking Lake Albano . If we want to know the past of this little gem we must take a trip to the Ninfeo Bergantino (also known as Bagni di Diana or Speco di Diana, in Via dei Pescatori, 21), an archaeological site on the western shore of Lake Albano that develops in several environments formed by natural caves dating back to the Domitian era. These cavities were used as thermal buildings and, later, as a shed for the Pope's boats, who used to come down to the lake. The Brigantino is in fact a term referring to a type of sailing ship. The Ninfeo Bergantino was rediscovered only in the nineteenth century, following some excavations that brought its ancient splendor back to light: today other finds are preserved in the Antiquarium of Villa Barberini. Arriving in the center of Castel Gandolfo you are immediately fascinated by the geometry of Piazza della Libertà overlooking the Pontifical Palace . You can visit its majestic halls and the magnificent Barberini Garden , also thanks to the electric train made available from the Vatican City railway station to the Pontifical Villas. Castel Gandolfo is the ideal place to treat yourself to a walk along the central street and look out onto the suggestive terraces overlooking the lake, near which there are an infinite number of inns and restaurants. Before leaving, a quick visit to the Church of San Tommaso da Villanova is recommended, also in the main square of the town, commissioned by Pope Alexander VII Chigi and designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. The Chigi coat of arms is visible on the facade and inside there are works by Borgognone, Pietro da Cortona and Antonio Raggi. To say that you know Castel Gandolfo better, you cannot miss the Lungo Lago (Via Spiaggia del Lago), with ice cream parlors, bathing establishments, restaurants and clubs. Lake Albano is a popular destination for tourists and locals who want to enjoy the joyful atmosphere of the weekend, for trekking lovers who choose to complete the lake ring on foot, for kayak and canoe enthusiasts or for those who simply want to walk the dog. Sunday is all about Nemi , located just 10 km from the center of Castel Gandolfo. Nemi is perched just over 500 m above sea level and surrounded by lush nature: this year too it was awarded the 'orange flag' by the Touring Club for its standards of excellence. Lake Nemi is also a destination for many sportsmen (canoeing, fishing, kayaking, swimming etc.), even if the beaches surrounding it are very small and wild: perfect for lovers of wild and uncontaminated nature. A visit to the Museum of Roman Ships is not to be missed, conceived in the 1930s to house the two ships of the Roman emperor Caligula, found in the smallest town in the Castelli Romani (Monday-Saturday from 9 am to 7 pm). Nemi also has various corners and views from which to appreciate the incredible views of the lake from above: for the most romantic, the Lovers' Terrace is the most suitable place from which to admire the landscape. After having climbed up the narrow streets overlooked by the balconies of the historic buildings of the town, having admired the beauty of the exterior of Palazzo Ruspoli , you can conclude by entering the Sanctuary of the Crucifix where the Crucifix by Vincenzo da Bassiano and the icon of the Madonna di Versacarro are kept, which according to a local legend was stolen and loaded onto an ox cart that miraculously turned the vehicle around and brought it back to the sacred place. Nemi and Castel Gandolfo are two important towns of the Castelli for their connection with the volcanic lakes along whose expanses they rise: you cannot miss a visit to these towns of timeless beauty and romanticism.